The Osun State Government has rejected security advice from the Nigerian Police Force regarding the local government election, stating that the advice contradicts the rule of law and democratic principles. In a statement, the government emphasized that Osun remains peaceful and committed to obeying court orders.

The state government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, reviewed the police proposal and concluded that it was biased, partisan, and in violation of democratic tenets. Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, stated that the police’s pretence of serving public good while promoting the illegality of the All Progressives Congress (APC) reinforced the government’s decision to reject what it described as a “Greek gift.”

Alimi further accused the police of breaching best practices by openly supporting the APC, which he claimed is pushing for illegality through a non-existent court order. He highlighted how the police allegedly aided the APC in enforcing a reinstatement order that was never issued by any court of law. “A law enforcement agency has suddenly become a partisan wing of a political party, the APC, thereby losing all toga of a fair law agency,” Alimi said.

The statement also drew attention to a recent court judgment, which affirmed vacancies in Osun councils by authenticating the sacking of APC council chieftains. The court directed the police and other security agencies to provide security for the election and gave the go-ahead for fresh local government elections to be held on Saturday, February 22. Alimi expressed disappointment that the police, instead of obeying the court order, continued to pursue a partisan agenda.

“If the police chooses to disobey court orders, the Osun State Government will not go against the rule of law,” Alimi stated. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the State Electoral Commission in conducting credible, free, and fair elections on Saturday.

The government thanked the police for their advice but respectfully turned down the request. Alimi urged Osun voters to peacefully exercise their voting rights on Saturday, emphasizing the state’s dedication to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law.

Signed by Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the statement concluded with a call for all stakeholders to prioritize peace and legality in the electoral process.